How RNA editing by ADAR1 helps T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia start and persist
Elucidate the Role of RNA Editing in Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Initiating Cells
Researchers are looking at whether blocking the RNA‑editing protein ADAR1 can stop the leukemia‑initiating cells that drive relapsed T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called ADAR1 that edits RNA and appears to help leukemia‑initiating cells (LICs) survive in relapsed pediatric T‑cell ALL. Scientists will examine leukemia samples from patients, run experiments in cells, and use animal models to see what happens when ADAR1 activity is reduced. They will look for how ADAR1 prevents abnormal double‑stranded RNA sensing and supports self‑renewal of LICs. The goal is to identify molecular targets that could lead to less toxic and more effective treatments for children whose leukemia has come back.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to children with relapsed or refractory T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those whose leukemia shows high ADAR1 expression.
Not a fit: Patients with other leukemia types or newly diagnosed T‑ALL that responds well to standard therapy are less likely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that remove treatment‑resistant leukemia‑initiating cells and improve survival for children with relapsed T‑ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data indicate that inhibiting ADAR1 can impair malignant T‑ALL cell propagation, but targeting ADAR1 in patients is an emerging approach that is not yet proven clinically.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Qingfei — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Qingfei
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.